Ernest Istook: “I rise in support of H.R. 123 and in opposition to the amendment by the gentleman from New York. Frequently, I am asked…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 123 and in opposition to the amendment by the gentleman from New York. Frequently, I am asked what kind of name is 'Istook'? People say, Is it Indian? Is it Estkimo? No, it is Hungarian. I am proud of my Hungarian ancestry. My father's parents came to the United States during the first quarter of this century. They Americanized the name. Originally Istook had one 'o.' When they became U.S. citizens they marked the occasion, they marked the change by adding the second 'o' as it has now. They came through Ellis Island. They are a part of the immigration saga of America. And when they became U.S. citizens, they received their certificate of naturalization, which my father had framed and now displays proudly in his home. My father grew up speaking two languages: Hungarian at home, but every place else, English. How glad I am that his parents, my grandparents, did not isolate my father by denying him the training and encouragement to focus upon English rather than focusing upon Hungarian, even though he spoke that at home. Like so many people, I am proud of my ancestry. The part of Hungary where we came from is the Transylvania region. A lot of people do not realize it is a real place. Transylvania now is part of Romania. I get a kick out of telling people that I am literally by blood half Transylvanian. It is fun. There are lots of great things about our heritage, fun and serious.”